Ireland - Romania - 8:2

On the final day of what was a celebration of football fair play and sportsmanship the Irish boys got the opportunity to win silverware. They were pitted against Romania who they had dispatched with consummate ease on day 1 but at the Homeless World Cup this means nothing. It meant nothing to the Irish boys who with steely resolve took the field and set about Romania as if their lives depended on it. Ed Madigan scored from a penalty after hitting the crossbar early on, Dowling added a second as they fizzed the ball across the lush surface of pitch one. They were literally running Romania ragged until a sloppy pass saw Ireland pulled back. Almost immediately Dinan scored. Romania had a man shown a blue card for a late tackle putting Ireland in a commanding position. In the second half Ireland made tough going of their advantage and or was Romania who scored at the end of the blue card period and it looked like it could all get away from Ireland when up stepped Madigan with his third to swing the initiative back in Ireland's favour. Dowling arrived back in time to nonchalantly stroke the ball into the corner for his second at this point Ireland controlled the play and started running the clock down and as Romania tired Moore struck with rasping shot into the corner. More of the same saw Madigan get his third with a magnificent strike just as the referee blew for time. There were scenes of utter jubilation as Ireland celebrate a fitting finale to a tough week in Mexico.

It was knockout stage in the Telmex Tercel Trophy competition at the Homeless World Cup as Ireland reached the final

Ireland - Kyrgyzstan - 10:5

In glorious sunshine in the historic Zagalo Square Mexico Ireland made tough work of putting away the challenge of the plucky Kyrgyzstan’s’. Ireland opened the scoring early on with a fine effort from the indomitable Dowling but were quickly hauled back level, another goal for Ireland this time Madigan fired home a beauty only to see Kyrgzstan equalise again. Ireland were looking sluggish and way below par. Ireland scored again through Dinan and Dowling who is racking up quite a tally in the competition. He was the one Irish player who looked at it today but was being drawn into a dangerous game of reacting to fouls by Kirghizstan. We entered the second period at 5 - 2 and Ireland rattled in two more though Kinsella, again Kirghizstan replied. Ireland were being caught in possession leaving themselves open forcing the ever reliable O'Reilly to keep them at bay. It was left up to Dowling to finish the scoring two more and see Ireland reach the semi final stage in relative comfort.

Ireland - Scotland - 8:2

Dinan scores against Scotland

This semi final was eagerly awaited by both camps. The battle of the Celts would not be for the faint of heart. Ireland set their stall by bossing the ball early on. They had visibly upped their game and were making it show. They quickly rattled in 2 goals from Dowling only to see Scotland pull one back. Both keepers were outstanding with O'Reilly making important stops when it counted. Madigan went down injured after he was caught while taking a shot. Kinsella his replacement came on and immediately made an impact with two quick-fire goals. Ireland were quicker to the ball and stronger in the tackle with both teams showing a huge desire. Ireland score through Dowling before O'Reilly was beaten by a blistering volley from the halfway line. ​

Exhausted captain Gavin Dowling at final whistle

This is where Ireland showed their class with a cushion between them they slowed the pace keeping the ball in Scotland's half and running the Scots around until the chances appeared and appear they did with more goals from Dinan and Dowling. If Scotland did manage to get the ball in Ireland's half the grit and determination of the boys in green was enough to win it back. The game ended with a clash heads between the two captains with both players sprawled on the ground just proving that they were willing to go to the last second for a game that was already done and dusted. The game ended with both players and coaching staff embracing with genuine goodwill and respect for each other.​

The boys in green move on to tomorrow's final with confidence where they will face Romania. COYBIG

Finland - Ireland - 4:11

In the late spring like sunshine in Zocalo Mexico city, this morning Ireland took on the Finns. In a a tough first period Finland stood firm and refused to be put away despite Ireland’s dominance twice coming from behind to keep the scores level. However Gavin Dowling was a man with a mission and scored 3 of a six goal tally in the first half with Tomás Dinan adding a fourth to give Ireland a 4 - 2 half time lead. Finland seem to tire significantly in the second half as Ireland upped the pace, Dowling again was superb leading the charge. Dowling added a further three to his impressive record with more goals coming from Anthony Madden 2, Ed Madigan Ken Kinsella and Daneil Moore. Limited time recuperate for the Irish as theRussians are coining.​

Ireland - Russia - 3:3 (1:2 penalties)

This was a showdown at high noon and Clint Eastwood would not have looked out of place in the scorching Mexican sunshine. These two evenly matched teams fought out a head to head battle that has to be up there with the best of the Tournament so far. Ireland pressed relentlessly early on but Russia struck first on the break. Ireland regrouped Tomas Dinan fired home emphatically to bring the sides level and so it remained until just before half time when Russia struck again. Ireland came out for the second half and pushed for an equaliser while Jordan O'Reilly kept the gates closed at the other end with a number of fine saves as the Russians broke with pace. Ireland had a goal disallowed when advantage should have been played. Ireland were not to be denied however when Dowling slotted calmly home from a central position. This put the fire in their bellies and shortly after Dinan scored a beauty to give Ireland a deserved lead. Ireland created enough chances to stretch their lead but with some poor decision making failed to capitalise. The sun and high altitude were taking their toll on Ireland and some heroic defending from Dowling and O Reilly in goal while Dinan in particular dug deep at this point and Ireland kept the lead until the final moments Russia broke through to equalise. Ireland pushed for winner but to no avail. The game was decided on penalties with Russia winning 2 - 1.​

Chile - Ireland - 7:2

Tomas Dinan in action against Chile

This was played on pitch one where Chile have played all their games. The conditions were draining and Ireland had been battling all day. It started well for Ireland as they took the lead but Chile scored a fine goal on the break to level before taking the lead. Ireland pushed and Dowling score a cracking drive to level the score. Chile had some fine chances and O'Reilly was proving to be heroic between the sticks with save after save. It was inevitable when Chile struck again. Ireland are known for their heart and would not go away and so the equaliser fell to Dinan who scored from the left. Chile went after a third and scored from a fortunate rebound after O'Reilly had made an astonishing double save just before the whistle. In the second half opening exchanges Ireland held the upper hand but Chile were devastating on the counter and despite the keepers best efforts they added to their tally. Ireland continued to play well and tested the Chilean keeper a number if times with no joy. In the end Chile’s class told and the Irish boys had to suck it up. They may have been defeated but they refused to be beaten. The courage and resolve that these young men have shown over the past few days is inspirational. They are out if the World Cup proper but are still in the hunt for a trophy as they compete for the Telmex Tecel Trophy on Saturday and so the story continues.

Jordan O'Reilly saves against Chile

Quarter final Telmax Tercel Trophy Saturday

Ireland V Kyrgyzstan Pitch 3 5.20 Irish Time

Austria - Ireland - 3:2

Ireland lost out in a nailbiter of a game to young Austrian outfit. Early on Ireland went two goals down against the run of play. They outplayed Austria for much of the game but thanks to some incredible heroics from the Austrian keeper they managed to keep Ireland at bay despite numerous efforts From Kinsella Madigan and of course skipper Dowling who was as energetic and skillful as ever if not as clinical. With the introduction of Tomás Dinan however things turned in favour of the boys in green, pulling one back and then creating a chance wide on the right which Dinan finished with a fierce low drive into the far corner. This brought Ireland levei and the rhythm reappeared as they dominated and pressed for a winner when a mistake in the oppositions half le Austria through on goal and gave O'Reilly who had another fine game no chance. Despite Ireland's total dominance the Austrian defence stood firm with an incredible performance from their keeper who received the Man of the Match awardfrom referee Harry Milas.​

Portugal - Ireland - 5:1

Dowling scores against Portugal

​In the midday cauldron of Zocala Ireland were put to the sword by a clinical Portuguese outfit. They were young athletic and fit and although the scoreline would suggest a totally dominant performance this was far from true. If there was a world cup for heart and perseverance the Irish boys would coast home. The first period was not dominated but won by Ireland in every facet except goals. Portugal were clever in possession and clinical in finishing. Jordan O'Reilly again was impressive but was left helpless on two occasions. The second half started much the same as the first but on the break Portugal scored their third with brilliantly measure curling shot into the corner of O'Reilly ’s net from the left wing. Gavin Dowling scored a battling goal against another goalkeeper who had an outstanding game to give Ireland hope. However the Portuguese took the heat out of the game with impressive posession and the wind out of the Irish sails with two more clinical finishes. This leaves Ireland with a mountain to climb in order qualify for the premier competition but it is not yet beyond them in this Grupo del Muerte and I would not put it past these boys to achieve the unlikely.

​Ireland go top of their group at Homeless World Cup with wins over Greece and Romania and now advance to the second group stage

Ireland - Romania - 10:5

A fantastic result against their toughest opponents yet. Thanks to momentous performance from captain Gavin Dowling.

Ireland started well on slippery surface dictating play and peppering the Romanian goal with volley of shots. The Romanians looked dangerous on the break and O'Reilly had to save smartly a couple times. Romania broke the deadlock with well taken goal and Ireland knew they were in a game. They met the challenge head on and replied with a couple from Dowling who just owned the pitch. Kinsella chipped in with a couple of classy goals from his now trade mark left flank. Romania had pulled the score back to 3 - 1 Dowling was appearing everywhere like a man possessed but always in control. He scored a magnificent solo effort leaving three Romanians on the deck. He scored his fourth after the Romanians had pulled another back to leave the score 6 - 3 at the break. The second half saw Ireland continue with a confidence and Tomas Dinan slotted home nicely before Romania scored two quick goals to let everyone know they were still a threat. Dowling appeared to takeoffence to this and again went on the attack scoring his fifth and sixth to give Ireland a comfortable finish to the game. Some encouraging things to observe is the confidence and combination play throughout the team. O'Reilly plays like a quarterback while Ed Madigan’s ability to hold off tackles and link the play is superb. Ireland go forward to the draw as group winners and although there will be tougher challenges ahead the skill determination and temperament they have shown so far means they need fear no one.

​Ireland - Greece - 7:0

In a torrential downpour more akin to Mayo than Mexico, Ireland competently put Greece to the sword at Zocalo this morning. Both teams struggled with the slippery conditions however Ireland's class began to show early on.

Goalkeeper O'Reilly’s distribution again was impeccable and from a move that involved all players Kinsella struck from his favourite left wing after an incisive pass from Madden. Kinsella added a second from a penalty and Greece's fate was sealed when Madden scored a brace. Moore wrapped up the scoring in the first half. The second half saw Ireland contain Greece and played the conditions well. O'Reilly saved well from a penalty before well taken goals from Dowling and Madigan eased Ireland through with eyes fixed firmly on top spot and a showdown this afternoon with Romania.​

Ireland look set to reach round two of the Homeless World cup in Mexico City as they top their group after 2 games in round one

​Ireland - Zimbabwe - 10:3

Ireland despite a rain shower which made conditions slippery underfoot got into their stride quickly this afternoon with goals from Dowling (2) and Madigan. Zimbabwe pulled one back but Madigan restored the 3 goal advantage with a cool finish. Ken Kinsella added another with a fine effort from the left iwht Madigan adding another before the half time whistle.​

​The second half began with both sides trading goalls before Dowling completed his hat trick. O’connor added to Ireland’s tally with a great team goal while Zimbabwe showed great team spirit and effort to reduced the arrears by scoring a third. It was to be their last as Madden showed great determination having wo the ball in his own half then showed for the return before placing it beyond the reach of the opposing goalkeeper. O’Connor completed the scoring for the Irish who ran out winner by a margin of 10-3. Ireland dominated throughout laying down a marker early in the competition.​

Gavin Dowling scores against Zimbabwe

Wales - Ireland - 1:5

Dowling scores 4th goal against Wales

​Another high intensity start from Ireland saw Captain Gavin Dowling scoring two and also hitting a post. His second an absolute peach of a solo effort. Wales pulled a goal back which was the signal for Ireland to up their intensity forcing the Welsh keeper into pulling off a string of great saves. Eddie Madigan slotted home a rebound after the keeper had made another great save.

The second half was more of the same and with Daniel Moore getting his first goal of the tournament from a central position while Tomas Dinan added the fifth. A mention must go keeper Jordan O Reilly whose assured play between the sticks provided stability to the team. O’Reilly made some telling blocks when called upon and his distribution was excellent throughout setting up the basis for many of Ireland's best attacks.

All in all another resounding victory in this magnificent at Zocalo Sq Mexico city.

A win today against either Greece or Romania will see them safely trough to round 2.​

PQ: “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d get the chance to represent my country it’s the best thing in life a dream come through “

After many weeks of intense training, team coach Thomas Morgan has whittled his squad down to the eight players who will represent Ireland in the Homeless World Cup in Mexico, Nov 13 -18th.

Since our all Ireland finals in late April the coaching staff at IHSl (Irish Homeless Street Leagues) have been working closely with a panel of players from which the final eight players that will represent Ireland in the 2018 Homeless World Cup finals were chosen.

It was a difficult task for the coaches as the level of skill and commitment among the players was very high but decisions have to be made and while there was disappointment among those who didn’t make it this time, there is always the possibility they could be chosen for next year’s event. A player can only represent his country once at the Homeless World Cup so every year it opens up a fresh opportunity for new players.

The team this year has a good cross country mix with lads from Cork, Limerick, Ennis, Clare and Dublin.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d get the chance to represent my country it’s the best thing in life a dream come through “, said Daniel from Blanchardstown, Dublin on been chosen.

While Edward from Cork enthused “It’s unbelievable, to be a part of this great experience”, Coach Thomas Morgan while congratulating the lads on making the team told them that the hard work begins now, “It’s a very competitive tournament, there are over 48 countries taking part and each of those teams are skilful, competitive and well prepared so nobody can afford to take their foot off the gas.”

As Sean Kavanagh who has been bringing a team to the Homeless World Cup since 2003 says “this tournament provides a platform for lads to move forward in life the dedication and application they have shown proves it’s never too late to chase goals and fulfil your true potential”